6 Easy Most Trailer Inspection Tips To Follow

Trailer Inspection

It’s inspection time! Since winter is on the rise now, like any other tools you need to take care of the trailer you have been using. Even a newly purchased trailer also requires trailer inspection. Every tool will depreciate with time. So before your trailer succumbs to the external factors you need to keep it safe and sound by making a reliable choice.

So what are the possible problematic areas of a trailer? You need to learn which parts can cause more trouble than others. Keeping this factor in mind we have laid out some easy inspection tips for your trailer.

Look At The Hitch And Coupler

According to the Georgia Trailer Sales, the reason for the trailer’s poor performance is based on the hitch mounts and the trailer balls. They take most of the beating as compared to any other trailer parts. So what you need to do is make sure all the frame mounting bolts are tightly positioned.

If there are no visible cracks to be seen on the receiver, shank, or tow ball, then a laser inspection can be of help too (in case you are unsatisfied). When you check the trailer coupler, have a closer look at whether the jaws fit perfectly over the tow ball or not. The safety latch must be pinned properly to avoid accidents.

What Good Is A Trailer Plug?

During trailer inspection, check the receptacle and plug. There could be loose/frayed or broken wires you must take care of right away.

Also, repairing the bad connectors can cause a ruse for the driver while driving. Or it’s better yet to replace the connectors and install new ones.

Catch Up With The Trailer Lights

Have you ever noticed the trailer lights? If you didn’t before, do it now. Loose wiring can become a reason for an accident if your trailer is hit in the dead of night because the taillights were not working. Besides, the brake lights must work properly especially at a signal. You can go for a test drive to ensure the concerned parts are working properly.

Make sure that the plug pins are clean with a spray-on terminal cleaner while the coat plug ends are cleaned with the dielectric grease to slow down the corrosion.

Test The Electric Brakes

Usually, there are two types of brakes installed in a trailer – electric brakes or surge brakes. For instance, if you have your eyes on a cargo trailer sale in Georgia that comes with an electric brake then you need to test the battery too, for the breakaway system. This ensures good condition while also guarantees the breakaway switch is in good form too.

So yes, a test drive (once again) will make the brake’s working condition more clear.

Tire’s Life Expectancy

The inflation rate needs to be measured too. During a trailer inspection take notice of the inflation rate of tires on the same axle; it should be the same. If it’s not then the trailer may sway while on road. To ensure a maximum tire life, the inflation rate on the trailer and vehicle should be checked, as it must be perpendicular to the weight of the cargo.

Wheel Bearings And Brakes Are Directly Proportional

How important are trailer brakes? Even if a 6x12 enclosed trailer is towed behind a rear-view vehicle, the quality of brakes can either keep the trailer from going down the road or can actually become the cause of it.

Even trailer brakes are secondary to the tow vehicle’s brakes, and still, need to reduce the wear on the tow vehicle. Also while you do this, check the wheel bearings too. It’s easier to replace them every 6 months.

Bottom Line

Trailer inspection must not be taken lightly. Despite all the precautions you also need to make time for the inspection and the necessary repair. Follow an annual routine and you are good to go with the right trailer manufacturer.

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